Richard Heinbergs latest book, The End of Growth: Adapting to our New Economic Reality, proposes a startling diagnosis: humanity has reached a fundamental turning point in our economic history. The expansionary trajectory of industrial civilization is colliding with non-negotiable natural limits.
Richard Heinberg’s book goes to the heart of the ongoing financial crisis, explaining how and why it occurred, and what we must do to avert the worst potential outcomes. It shows why growth is being blocked by three factors: Resource depletion, environmental impacts and crushing levels of debt. These converging limits will force us to re-evaluate cherished economic theories and to reinvent money and commerce.
What makes this a perfect Transition Salt Spring event is, The End of Growth describes what policymakers, communities, and families can do to build a new economy that operates within Earth’s budget of energy and resources. We can thrive during the transition if we set goals that promote human and environmental well-being, rather than continuing to pursue the now-unattainable prize of ever-expanding GDP. And the good new is, acting locally is a large part of the solution. In the coming years we can still thrive – if we maximize happiness rather than the pursuit of growth at any cost.
Author of ten books, including The Party’s Over, Peak Everything, Richard Heinberg is widely regarded as one of the world’s most effective communicators of the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels and Peak Oil. Richard is Senior Fellow-in-Residence at the Post Carbon Institute, is a much sought-after speaker and has presented in dozens of countries. He’s featured in many documentaries, including End of Suburbia and Leonardo DiCaprio’s film 11th Hour. Richard has appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America, Canadian Broadcasting Television, and BBC, as well as numerous radio programs (national NPR) and print publications (Time magazine).
Lucky for all of us, Richard is coming to Salt Spring via live webcast on January 26th, at ArtSpring (where you can purchase your ticket) 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm. This event is being sponsored by Transition Salt Spring and co-sponsored by SSI Conservancy and Forum.
Jean Gelwicks – Transition Salt Spring 537-4859 in case you have any questions
